Trackers of fall colors across Wisconsin can check for updates on their smartphones. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism's fall color report is available online and with a new smartphone app.

New features this year allow users to share and tag their own fall color photos in an interactive map and rate photos posted by others.

The fall color report is created using information provided by more than 100 spotters. The site is updated at least once a week as information is submitted.

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The site links to nearby events, activities, lodging and dining options. There are travel tips for scenic drives, parks and other areas of interest. Details: www.TravelWisconsin.com.

Disney hotel offers presidential trip

As the nation prepares for the next race to the White House, Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin Hotels will give one lucky guest and their family the opportunity to be treated like a president with their very own presidential vacation near Orlando.

This Epcot resort area hotel will select a candidate to stay in one of its eight spacious and luxuriously appointed presidential suites. The hotel's presidential suites have hosted the likes of President George H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton, presidential hopefuls and other world leaders.

As the presidential guest, the winning candidate will be invited to bring up to five "cabinet members" on a three-day, two-night term. They will arrive via luxury transport from the airport, be treated to a red carpet welcome at the hotel and can celebrate the victory with a "state" dinner using a $250 dining certificate at any of the hotel's 17 restaurants and lounges.

The "elected" candidate (chosen by random drawing) and guests will receive complimentary Walt Disney World theme park three-day Park Hopper passes and hotel amenities, including complimentary transportation to all Walt Disney theme parks and Attractions, dining with Disney characters at Garden Grove restaurant, Extra Magic Hours, and advance tee times on four championship Walt Disney World golf courses. The prize package is valued at $4,825.

No caucuses, campaigning or primaries are needed. Guests nominate themselves by visiting www.swandolphin.com/election any time before polls close Nov. 6.

Taos Ski Valley plans expansion

The U.S. Forest Service has approved Taos Ski Valley's request to expand its expert terrain by 60 percent with two new lifts that will take skiers to popular high alpine areas currently accessible only to hikers. Also planned are three other lifts, thinning of trees to expand two new glade areas for advanced intermediate to expert skiers, construction of a permanent tubing facility, a snowshoe trail system and a lift-served mountain bike trail for summer visitors.

Adding the lifts to access the Kachina and West Ridge areas above the tree line is especially important for remaining competitive with Colorado resorts like Breckenridge, Telluride and Arapahoe Basin, which say they have seen skier visits increase 10 percent since adding high alpine lifts.

The far West Basin ridge, where one new lift is proposed, offers some of the steepest chutes and most difficult terrain. The other lift would access Kachina Peak, which provides skiers an open bowl as well as steep chutes and rock bands.

Plans also call for a new drop-off area and reconfiguration of the resort's parking lots.

Ga. Six Flags to build 24-story ride

Six Flags Over Georgia outside Atlanta is building the tallest ride in the theme park's 45-year history.

Park officials said SkyScreamer, an extreme swing ride, will spin guests at 40 mph atop a 24-story tower. SkyScreamer will be four stories higher than Goliath, the roller coaster that climbs higher than many of the skyscrapers in downtown Atlanta.

Officials also announced a new ride at its affiliated water park, Six Flags White Water in Marietta. Typhoon Twister will send riders barreling down an enclosed five-story drop before shooting out into a 67-foot bowl.

Both attractions will debut in late spring 2013.

N.J. Six Flags safari to be a park ride

Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey is combining its animal safari with its amusement park into a single attraction. Next year, guests will be driven through a revamped safari area on park-provided open-air vehicles.

The current Wild Safari attraction is undergoing a renovation with a redesign of emulated natural habitats and the creation of Camp Aventura, the main stop along the off-road excursion.

One of the main differences between the drive-thru safari and next year's attraction will be the ability to see some of the more popular animals more closely.

The largest theme park in the world currently is Disney's Animal Kingdom, one of four theme parks in Disney World, at 500 acres. Six Flags Great Adventure will be 510 acres.

See elk, eagles on Kentucky tours

Fall and winter bring a change of scenery to Kentucky, including opportunities to see elk and eagles in Jenny Wiley and Buckhorn State Resort Parks in eastern Kentucky.

Both parks host tours, which are the only way to see these beautiful creatures because they are on private land.

Call Trinity Shepherd, 800-325-0142 for Jenny Wiley tours and Sue Thomas, 606-398-7510 for those at Buckhorn.

Journey to Kentucky Dam Village, Kenlake or Lake Barkley State Resort Parks in western Kentucky to view the North American Bald Eagle during January and February. Call Lisa Deavers at 502-564-8110, ext. 246.